Overview
- President Donald Trump announced an immediate cut in the U.S. reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly thanked him and confirmed the new rate.
- Trump claimed India agreed to stop buying Russian oil and to increase purchases of U.S. energy and other goods, but Indian officials have not confirmed any oil‑purchase commitment.
- The White House and U.S. Trade Representative have not released legal text or formal notices, and trade practitioners cautioned that binding changes typically require official filings such as Federal Register notices.
- Last year’s U.S. measures had raised duties on many Indian exports to about 50% through a 25% reciprocal tariff plus a 25% penalty tied to Russian crude; Indian outlets reported the penalty would be lifted, though formal confirmation is pending.
- Indian ministers and industry groups welcomed the move as a boost for exporters, while opposition leaders demanded full disclosure of terms, as the announcement follows India’s just‑concluded EU trade agreement.